Question about Vallejo Model Air paint

[Steve Kubik]

Who here uses Vallejo Model Air paints? Do these paints need to be thinned before spraying?

I was told that no thinner was needed, yet every time I use them, it clogs up my brush after just 10 seconds.

If thinner is required, what do you use?

[Edmund Forsythe]

Try vallejo 71261

[Steve Kubik]

Thanks! Now I'll have to go find some.

[Steve Hutchinson]

Hi Steve

I use a combination of thinner, brusher cleaner and distilled water.

It is almost unique to each colour too!

I am still experimenting with all paints and the air brush.

From the research I have done so far, you need to create a basic colour with the consistency of milk and enough of it to practise with and adjust so it sprays without clogging.

It is viewed as being multiple layers of thin paint that will get the best finish, and will also respond to pre shading too.

It can be time and paint consuming but when you get it right it looks tight on the detail and has a great finish, ready to weather.

I am still working on that part

Steve H

[Steve Kubik]

Hi Steve

I use a combination of thinner, brusher cleaner and distilled water.

It is almost unique to each colour too!

I am still experimenting with all paints and the air brush.

From the research I have done so far, you need to create a basic colour with the consistency of milk and enough of it to practise with and adjust so it sprays without clogging.

It is viewed as being multiple layers of thin paint that will get the best finish, and will also respond to pre shading too.

It can be time and paint consuming but when you get it right it looks tight on the detail and has a great finish, ready to weather.

I am still working on that part

Steve H

HI Steve,
I usually use Tamiya paints and the ratio paint/thinner is the same. My wife had gotten me a set of Vallejo panzer colors as a gift, but they sat in my tool box. THe other night, I was putting a base coat on the interior of that 234 and I ran out of Tamiya Dark Yellow. I turned to the Vallejo and started having issues. I'll have to try the Valljo thinner/water mix and see what happens.

[Rob Matthews]

Hi Steve - broadly agree with Steve H

Vallejo do their own Thinner nominally badged as "71.061".

Vallejo Model Air : Thinner = 3 : 1

The catch is that they have changed the Thinner formula. Up till approx a year ago the thinner was milky - no smell.
Most recently it's clear and smells identical to their airbrush cleaner which it almost certainly is.

Model Air is too thick without thinning.

For Vallejo Model Color - aim to dilute by 50% with a solution of half distilled water and half Vallejo airbrush cleaner (or Vallejo Model Air thinner)

Even Mig Ammo which IMHO sprays the best of all the non Tamiya (solvent) acrylics need thinning (with it's own branded thinner)

Despite all this - I still expect to clean my needle every 90-120 seconds of spraying
HTH
Rob

[Edmund Forsythe]

Hi Steve

I use a combination of thinner, brusher cleaner and distilled water.

It is almost unique to each colour too!

I am still experimenting with all paints and the air brush.

From the research I have done so far, you need to create a basic colour with the consistency of milk and enough of it to practise with and adjust so it sprays without clogging.

It is viewed as being multiple layers of thin paint that will get the best finish, and will also respond to pre shading too.

It can be time and paint consuming but when you get it right it looks tight on the detail and has a great finish, ready to weather.

I am still working on that part

Steve H

So bottom line is its a royal pain in the behind . Steve have you mastered this beast yet ?

[Steve Hutchinson]

Still trying Edmund

The Sherman with Olive Drab and pre-shading isn't too bad, but it has been a week and it is starting to grow on me

But its not Panzer Grey and worryingly it is starting to look good

Rob, I didn't realise the thinner had changed

I have a good stash that I got some time ago, but I guess I will have to re formulate everything when I get new stock

But when you add in humidity, temperature and all the other time of year factors, each spraying session in the garage is unique

Maybe one day I will have a dedicated inside space and then I might be able to replicate the same mix more than once

Air brushing is a real voyage of discovery, just give yourself plenty of time and enjoy

Steve H

[Edmund Forsythe]

The milky white 70524 is for model color , the other 71261 model air , is that what you meant Steve ?

[John Everett]

I also have learned to always thin the V.M.A. paint. I just add a few drops of water and maybe one drop of rubbing alcohol to break the surface tension. To prevent, or at least delay, clogging in the nozzle I've found that adding a few drops of acrylic flow enhancer (available at higher end art stores) helps.